Infectious diarrhea is quite common and although potentially life threatening, most cases cause only temporary symptoms that are uncomfortable and inconvenient. In some cases, infectious diarrhea may necessitate treatment with prescription antibiotics. However, the use of antibiotics can also place individuals at higher risk for an infection by other bacteria such as Clostridium difficile.
Infectious Diarrhea
Many different types of microorganisms can cause infectious diarrhea. In most cases, bacteria are responsible for an infection within the digestive tract. This may result from an opportunistic overgrowth of native flora or through ingestion of foreign bacteria. Most infections are spread via the fecal-oral route through contact with contaminated surfaces or ingestion of contaminated foods. Symptoms typically include abdominal pain, cramping, loose stools, fever, and frequent bowel movements. Complications may include dehydration and systemic infection. A severe case of infectious diarrhea that involves extreme cramping or bloody stools requires medical treatment. Although bacterial infectious diarrhea may resolve on its own, patients may require the use of antibiotics to eradicate the infection.
Travelers' Diarrhea
High risk groups for infectious diarrhea include workers and individuals in day cares, hospital, and nursing homes. In addition, travelers visiting other countries are also at higher risk as they are exposed to different types of bacteria than at home. To reduce the risk of infectious bacteria, individuals should practice proper hand hygiene and avoid contact with fecal matter from infected individuals. Avoiding improperly cooked foods and untreated water is also an important method of preventing travelers' diarrhea. However, if antibiotic treatment is required, patients with travelers' diarrhea are typically prescribed a broad spectrum antibiotic such as a flouroquinolones that are effective in treating different types of bacteria.
C. difficile
Although antibiotics are an effective treatment for some types of bacteria, they can also destroy some of the native "good" bacteria in your gut. This can make the digestive tract susceptible to an opportunistic infection by other species of bacteria such as Clostridium difficile. C. difficile can produce a toxin that causes bloody stools, severe cramping, and excessive diarrhea. C. difficile infections seldom resolve without treatment and require treatment with antibiotics such as metronidazole or vancomycin.
Probiotics
In contrast to antibiotics, probiotics are cultures of living organisms that you can take orally. These cultures contain "good bacteria" and help restore the balance in your digestive tract. Probiotics help inhibit the growth of infectious bacterium by competing for nutrients. They are often used in conjunction with antibiotics to treat infectious diarrhea. Patients with concerns regarding infectious diarrhea and the use of antibiotics should consult with their physicians.
